Plain-language guides to what is required of Alaska short-term rental operators. Not legal advice — accurate information about the rules and how to follow them.
The Anchorage STR registration portal opened May 1, 2026. Existing operators must register by July 30, 2026 — beginning July 31, listings without a Municipal STR Registration Number cannot legally appear on any platform. Registration is free, processed through the city's Cityview Portal, and valid for one year.
Anchorage's short-term rental registration program is established under AMC 10.90 (Anchorage Municipal Code), via Assembly Ordinance AO 2025-115(S-2). The program is administered by the Municipal Clerk's Office. Here's what you need to know.
Per AMC 10.90.020, registration requires the following for each rental unit:
Bed & Breakfast permits are no longer being issued or renewed as of May 1, 2026. Former B&Bs must now register as STRs through this program. Anchorage's Bed Tax still applies separately — questions about Bed Tax should go to the MOA Program Tax Department. If you recently renewed a B&B permit and need a refund, contact the Permit Counter of the MOA Development Services Division.
Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit Anchorage room tax automatically for bookings made through their platforms. If you accept bookings through other channels (direct booking, other marketplaces), you are responsible for collecting and remitting room tax yourself.
Beginning July 31, 2026, short-term rentals will not be legally allowed to post listings or advertisements on any platform without a Municipal STR Registration Number. That means major platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, others) will not allow unregistered Anchorage listings to remain active.
Community members can report violations to the Anchorage Code Enforcement Hotline at 907-343-4141 or via the #ANCWorks request system.
All Alaska rental operations must also hold an Alaska State business license ($50/year), separate from any local registration. See details below →
Direct to the Municipality of Anchorage:
📞 907-343-4311 · ✉️ MuniLicenses@anchorageak.gov
For Host Alaska compliance support: info@hostalaska.org or submit a question. Members receive direct guidance and reminders ahead of renewal deadlines.
Current as of May 2026. Host Alaska monitors all Alaska jurisdictions and updates this table when rules change. Members receive direct alerts.
Under Alaska Statute AS 43.70.020, anyone earning rental income in Alaska — including from a single short-term rental — must hold a current Alaska Business License from the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development. This is required statewide, on top of any local registration.
$50 for one year · $100 for two years (50% discount for seniors). Apply through DCCED →
| Municipality | Registration | Tax Rate | Key Requirements | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | Free annual registration (AMC 10.90) | Anchorage room tax applies | Local contact required. Registration # on listings. Permitted by right in residential zones. Register by July 30, 2026 — listings without a # blocked from platforms starting July 31. Muni.org → | Portal Open |
| Juneau | Free registration with CBJ Sales Tax Office (Ord. 2023-26) | 14% total (9% hotel-room + 5% sales) | Registration # required in all public listings. Platforms must ensure listings carry a valid CBJ STR number (Ord. 2025-23). $100/day penalty for listings without a number. CBJ Finance → | Active |
| Fairbanks Borough | Conditional Use Permit ("tourist homes") | 8% FNSB room tax | FNSB + State business licenses required. CUP application via FNSB Dept. of Community Planning includes site plan, floor plan, parking, and safety review. FNSB → | Active |
| Seward | City Business License + STR Permit + Life Safety Inspection | 4% bed tax + 4% local sales tax | Business license $30/yr · STR permit $50/unit · Life Safety Inspection $45. In residential zones, owner must occupy and may rent up to 50% of bedrooms (max 3). Permits run Jan 1 – Dec 31; renewal opens October. | Active |
| Sitka | None currently | 11–12% (6% bed + 5–6% sales) | No dedicated STR licensing program. Tax-only framework. | Active |
| Ketchikan | None currently | 11% (4% borough + 7% city) | Occupancy tax on stays under 30 days. | Active |
| Other Municipalities | Varies | Varies | Some Alaska communities are watching Anchorage and Juneau closely and may consider similar frameworks. | Monitor |
This table is for general information only and is not legal advice. Always verify current requirements directly with your municipality. Report a regulatory change →
Short-term rental income is reportable for federal tax purposes. Most Alaska jurisdictions also require platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO to collect and remit local lodging taxes directly when bookings flow through them. Federal pricing-display rules apply to short-term rental listings as well. For questions about your specific situation, consult a qualified tax professional or attorney.
Host Alaska recommends that all Alaska operators meet these baseline safety standards regardless of local requirements. Being a responsible host protects your guests, your community, and your business.
Members receive direct alerts when rules change in their municipality — within 24–48 hours of any significant development. Don't find out about a new requirement by missing a deadline.